Programmes

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sociology)

Full-time

Programme Overview

Developed and awarded by the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, US.

Candidates who have outstanding academic results may apply for direct entry into the double major program at the point of application. Alternatively, if students are enrolled in a single degree program and have done well ie. have been accepted into the major and are considered to be in academic good standing, they are eligible to apply for the double major program.

In the double major program, students can graduate with two majors and within the minimum of 120 credits. They will be awarded with one degree with two majors, not two degrees, regardless of how many credits are earned.

Fee

Double Major

Scholarships & Awards

The SIM-UB scholarship allows two deserving students at SIM to spend one semester at the UB’s New York campus. The merit-based award covers tuition fees, lodging, and a round trip air-ticket. The scholarship is offered twice per academic year for the Fall and Spring semester.

Open House Programme Briefing - University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Undergraduate Programmes

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sociology) – Full-time

Programme Overview

Developed and awarded by the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, US.

Candidates who have outstanding academic results may apply for direct entry into the double major program at the point of application. Alternatively, if students are enrolled in a single degree program and have done well ie. have been accepted into the major and are considered to be in academic good standing, they are eligible to apply for the double major program.

In the double major program, students can graduate with two majors and within the minimum of 120 credits. They will be awarded with one degree with two majors, not two degrees, regardless of how many credits are earned.

Psychology – the science of the mind and behavior

You will learn insights and skills in the mind and behavior of human beings which is invaluable in promoting effective interactions and relationships with people.

Founded in 1920’s, Psychology is one of the largest undergraduate majors in UB. The department of Psychology in UB is a member of the American Psychological Society and is ranked among the top 50 (US News, 2012 ranking) in the US.

As a Psychology major, you will:

Learn about psychological principles and scientific methods for evaluating theories and research in social and behavioral sciences

Understand the basic processes of sensation, perception, learning, cognition, development and personality along with principles of social psychology, clinical psychology, and behavioral neuroscience

Work for the social good with your knowledge and skill sets

You will learn insights and skills in the art and process of the dynamic social systems and issues related to each other and societal issues.

Department of Sociology in UB is a member of the American Sociological Society and the undergraduate Sociology program was founded in 1920.

Sociology is a study of all people, for all people. Sociology is the broadest of the social sciences and can give us an understanding of the social world. This program provides students with the technical and analytic tools, critical thinking skills, and global perspective needed to navigate the 21st century successfully and succeed in many careers.

As a Sociology major, you will:

Study the finer points about an individual, social groups, and social systems and their relationship

Learn about the causes, characteristics, changes, and consequences of human behavior in groups

Understand the structure and dynamics of social systems and issues relate to each other and societal issues

More than 50% of modules are taught by US /overseas visiting faculty, covering the full semester throughout the entire program. The rest of the modules are taught by qualified local faculty with the experience and academic expertise approved by UB.

The program is taught by engaged, committed faculty. Coursework includes hands-on experience, active class presentation and participation, projects and all the best practices of American college education.

Further Education

Graduates have also gone on to graduate schools for further studies.

Career Prospects

With these double major qualifications, you have job opportunities in:

Research

Special education industry

Medical and health industry

Policy making

Medical and health services

Recreation

Urban planning

Social policy

Social services

Other professions

Why Study at SIM-UB

Distinctive features of SIM-UB programs:

High quality and interactive American education

Students admitted are regular UB students (no distinction between Singapore and Buffalo)

Admission standards and academic expectations are the same as UB

Accreditation and recognition of UB degrees

Quality assurance mechanisms

Students can continue studies in UB’s home campus

Full-time Resident Director and Assistant Resident director

Full-time Academic Advisors

Full-time, regular UB faculty and visiting faculty teach in the program covering the full semester

Programme Structure

Teaching Faculty

More than 50% of modules are taught by US /overseas visiting faculty, covering the full semester throughout the entire program. The rest of the modules are taught by qualified local faculty with the experience and academic expertise approved by UB.

Candidature Period

Maximum allowed period to complete:

Single degree program – 6 yearsDouble major / double degree program – 8 yearsIf a student fails to complete the course within the candidature period, they will not be entitled to any recourse or refund.

Minimum Class Size

Minimum class size to commence: 25 students. Students will be informed at least one month prior to course commencement if class cannot commence due to low take up rate.

Qualifications

The above qualifications may be considered for admission with advanced standing credits. Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with at least 10 years of their primary and secondary education in Singapore in an English-medium government school, and completed their GCE 'O' level with a grade 'C' (6 or better) in the English Language, are exempted from the English Language proficiency requirement.

Others

Qualifications equivalent to a U.S high school diploma. Average grade of 'B' or better

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Most recent 3 years of high school grade of 'B' equivalent to IB score 4.5. IB Diploma holders can expect up to 30 credit exemptions with a minimum of 30 total scores.

Fees are charged based on the number of credits taken during the semester.

Note: Advanced standing and transfer credits granted are subjected to final approval by UB. UB reserves the right to change credit articulations at any time.

The fees do not include textbooks.

First semester course fees are payable prior to commencement of semester. Subsequent semester course fees are billed after the commencement of semester. Each semester typically has 4-5 modules (12 to 15 credits).

Scholarships & Awards

The SIM-UB scholarship allows two deserving students at SIM to spend one semester at the UB’s New York campus. The merit-based award covers tuition fees, lodging, and a round trip air-ticket. The scholarship is offered twice per academic year for the Fall and Spring semester.

Exemption Eligibility

Students with Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A-Level) and Polytechnic Diploma may be considered for admission with advanced standing credits.

No. of credits expected to do in UB

Single Degree (Minimum 120 credits)

Polytechnic Diploma holders with transfer credits: 60 - 110 credits

SIM Diploma holders with transfer credits: 76 - 100 credits

A-Level students with advanced standing credits: 80 - 110 credits

Students with no credit exemption: 120 credits

Double Major (Minimum 120 credits)

Polytechnic Diploma holders with transfer credits: 102 - 134 credits

SIM Diploma holders with transfer credits: 102 - 134 credits

A-Level students with advanced standing credits: 100 - 134 credits

Students with no credit exemption: 120 - 134 credits

Double Degree (Minimum 150 credits)

Polytechnic Diploma holders with transfer credits: 127 - 159 credits

SIM Diploma holders with transfer credits: 127 - 159 credits

A-Level students with advanced standing credits: 130 - 159 credits

Students with no credit exemption: 150 - 159 credits

Note: Advanced standing and transfer credits granted are subjected to final approval by UB. UB reserves the right to change credit articulations at any time.

Course Fees and Semester Guideline based on number of credits to complete

(One academic year = 3 semesters)

60 credits = S$34,668 (approximately 5 semesters)

80 credits = S$46,224 (approximately 7 semesters)

100 credits = S$57,780 (approximately 8 semesters)

120 credits = S$69,336 (approximately 9 semesters)

150 credits = S$86,670 (approximately 12 semesters)

All fees inclusive of prevailing GST

Academic Profiles

To ensure parity in standards, rigors of the program, integrity of the UB degree, more than 50% of modules are taught by US /overseas visiting faculty, covering the full semester throughout the entire program. The rest of the modules are taught by qualified local faculty with the experience and academic expertise approved by UB.

Assessments & Exams

The normal module load for students is 12 to 15 credit hours a semester.

Students may register for modules and make changes to their class schedule. Students who choose to drop or resign from any modules, are on official leave of absence or have to repeat any failed modules, may take more than three years to complete their studies.

Students progress through each semester till they satisfactorily complete the conferral requirements.

Attendance Requirements

Local students – Minimum attendance requirement as stipulated by UB or 75%, whichever is higher.

International students - Minimum attendance requirement is 90% as mandated by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA).

Award & Graduation

Completion of min. of 120 credits with a min. overall and UB GPA of 2.0 to be awarded the degree.

With the credit exemptions, students may be able to complete the course of study in less than 3 years.

Students who successfully complete all the requirements of the program will be awarded Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sociology) degree by the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, US.

Latin Honors

Students earning baccalaureate degrees are eligible to receive Latin Honors based on their UB cumulative GPA on the following scale:

Average (based on 4.0 = A)

3.20 cum laude (Distinction)

3.50 magna cum laude (High Distinction)

3.75 summa cum laude (Highest Distinction)

To qualify for Latin Honors, students must present a minimum of 60 credits of UB undergraduate coursework, at least 54 of which must be graded credits (i.e. not satisfactory or unsatisfactory - grades of 'S' or 'U')